Rumblings from Hillcrest Cemetery

Edward A. Goddard moved to Reynolds from Macon in 1866. He had several children- one of which was born 17 years after he moved to Reynolds. His name was George H. Goddard. George had two children. The youngest was my dad Edward M. Goddard. He was born when his dad was 35 years old. Ed had four children of his own. The youngest was yours truly, Robert B. Goddard, better known as Bruce. I was born when Ed was 36 years old. I had three children of my own. The middle son is John Edward Goddard. He was born when I was 28 years old. John Edward had a little girl born about 3 months ago named Taylor Reese Goddard. John was 25 years old when she was born.


That little chronological paragraph represents a lot of years and a lot of history and a lot of memories and a lot of roots and a lot of relationships and a lot of stories and a lot of everything. And in case you did not count, little Taylor represents six generations of Goddards.

When I got home last night my wife told me that Tami and John, Taylor’s mom and dad, have to work on Saturday. And that means that there is a real possibility that little Taylor will join us at the Strawberry Festival on Saturday. And if that is the case that means Taylor, 141 years later and six generations down the line from the first Goddard in Reynolds, will make her first appearance on Reynolds soil.

I understand fully the situation. Most people who lived in Reynolds who would appreciate the moment are either dead and gone or have moved on. No doubt there are a few still left but most won’t understand. And Taylor will be oblivious to it all.

But there may be some rumblings on the other side of the hill at Hillcrest Cemetery. The remains of Ed and Naia Goddard have rested there now going on 14 years. Since they are my parents I always think of them when I drive into town. And although I know they are not really in those graves, I always look to my right into that cemetery when I drive by. And many times I stop to tell them hello.

Hopefully tomorrow Kathy and I will have a very special little package with us. One thing is for certain. If Ed and Naia were here they would both appreciate the moment. And they would love to be waiting on Taylor to welcome her to their world.

In a very strong way they will be. There is absolutely no doubt about that.

And I won’t be surprised if there are some rumblings coming from Hillcrest Cemetery when she gets there.